Protecting Oregon’s Natural Lands​

For generations to come

The McKenzie is our homewaters. Western Oregon is our home.

The McKenzie River Trust is a nonprofit land trust formed in 1989 to protect critical habitats and scenic lands in the McKenzie River basin. Today, our service area includes the watersheds of the Long Tom, Upper Willamette, Coast and Middle Forks of the Willamette, Umpqua, Siuslaw, and coastal headlands, rivers, streams, and lakes from Reedsport to Lincoln City. 

Throughout our history, we have partnered with caring landowners, our members, foundations, and partner organizations to protect, forever, land and water in western Oregon.

  • 10,000+ acres protected
  • More than a million trees and shrubs planted
  • 25 miles of Salmon bearing streams restored​
Our Impact

Protecting Land and Water

McKenzie River Trust works with willing landowners to protect and care for more than 10,000 acres of land for fish, wildlife, water quality, and the people of Western Oregon.
Protected Lands

Connecting people to place

Each year, McKenzie River Trust members, volunteers, business supporters, schools, and community groups give their time and resources to help protect and care for the lands and rivers we cherish in western Oregon.

Get Involved

Restoring natural systems

From the Cascade Mountains to the Oregon coast, McKenzie River Trust works with partners across the region to design and implement large-scale restoration projects for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people of western Oregon. With your help, we’re leaving the land better than we found it.
Restoration Projects

Sustaining our mission

The work of land trusts is forever work. That’s why we rely on the incredible care of community members like you to help us not only advance, but sustain our mission over time. There are so many ways to get involved. We hope you will join us.
Ways to give

Explore our work by Region

Upper Willamette Watersheds
From upland oak and prairies to wetlands and floodplains, our work across the Upper Willamette ties together unique ecosystems and communities.
Explore
Central Oregon Coast
We work from Lincoln City to Reedsport to protect and care for inland forests, tidal wetlands, and rocky coastlines that make Oregon such an incredible place to call home.
Explore
McKenzie River Watershed
Our home waters and organizational namesake, the McKenzie River is where we began, and where we'll always return to.
Explore

From the field

Shaped by Water: Freshwater Sponges found at Green Island 

Beneath the surface of Green Island’s side channels, an unexpected animal is thriving. Freshwater sponges that build delicate skeletons of microscopic glass around the rivers’ flow. These fascinating animals filter the river through their bodies and can glow electric green with the help of algae. Their discovery has opened a window into a strange and largely unseen freshwater world where an animal completely different than ourselves is making its home among the current.

Read More »

Working together for western Oregon

Every conservation success starts with people working together. From the McKenzie River to Oregon’s coast, collaborative partnerships are helping communities protect drinking water, restore habitat, and build a more resilient future for western Oregon.

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Ringtails: The Elusive Acrobats of Oregon

What looked like a “lost lemur” in Springfield turned out to be one of Oregon’s most elusive native mammals. Meet the ringtail, a remarkable nighttime acrobat with incredible climbing abilities, a mysterious lifestyle, and a surprising connection to nearby conservation lands.

Read More »
Salmon full color tee
Purple shore-crab zip hoodie
Beaver full color tee
Acorn Woodpecker Baseball Tee
Red-legged Frog Tee
Beaver Line Tee
Acorn Woodpecker Mug
Beaver Pullover Sweatshirt

Wear Your Care for Oregon's Lands and Rivers

From upland oak savanna to the rocky intertidal zones of the Oregon Coast, our work connects landscapes and communities.

Now, you can celebrate these special places with a custom designed t-shirt by local artist, Emily Poole! Shirts, mugs and totes are now available for purchase online through a print-to-order system.

SHOP NOW

Join us on the land

Explore Green Island on the Second Saturday of Each Month

Explore Green Island on the Second Saturday of Each Month

Explore Green Island on the Second Saturday of Each Month

Our Power is Our People

We’re powered by the passionate people who love the natural beauty of our state and want to secure that beauty forever.

Meet our team

McKenzie River Trust

Eugene Office: 725 W 1st Ave, STE B, Eugene, OR 97402
Newport Office: 914 SW Coast Hwy. Newport, OR 97365
Mailing Address: PO Box 1451 Eugene OR 97440

Phone: (541) 345-2799

Email: info@mckenzieriver.org